3.5 Genetic Modification Flashcards
what is PCR?
an artificial method of reploicating DNA under laboratory conditions
what does PCR do?
amplify large quantities of a specific sequence of DNA from an initial minute sample (each reaction cycle doubles the amount of DNA)
what is he stages of PCR?
- denaturation - DNA sample is heated to separate it into 2 single strands (95 degrees)
- annealing - DNA primers attach to the 3’ end of the target sequence (55 degrees)
- elongation - a heat tolerant DNA polymerase (Taq) binds to the primer and copies the strand (72 degrees)
(this all occurs in thermal cycler)
what is gel electrophoresis?
lab techniques used to separate and isolate proteins/ DNA fragments based on size
How does gel electrophoresis work? (3)
- samples placed in a block of gel and electric current is applied which causes the samples to move through the gel
- smaller samples are less impeded by gel matrix and will move faster
- samples of different sized to separate as they travel at different speeds
how does DNA separation work in gel electrophoresis? (4)
- DNA may be cut into fragments using restriction endonuclease (different DNA samples produce different fragment lengths)
- fragments separate because DNA is negatively charged due to presence of phosphate group on each nucleotide
- DNA samples are placed into an agarose gel and fragment size calculated by comparing against industry standards
- specific sequences can be identified by incorporating a complementary radiolabelled hybridisation probe, transferring the separated sequences to a membrane and then visualising via autoradiography
how does protein separation work in gel electrophoresis?
- proteins may be folded into a variety of shaped and have positive and negative regions
- proteins must be treated with anionic detergent (SDS) to linearise and impart a uniform negative charge
- protein samples placed into polyacrylamide gel and sized compared to industry standards
- separated proteins transferred to membrane and then target proteins are identified by staining with aa specific monoclonal antibody
what is DNA profiling?
technique by which individuals can be identified and compared via DNA profiles
how does DNA profiling work?
- within non-coding regions of an individuals genome there exists satellite DNA made up of short tandem repeats (STR)
- as individuals will likely have different number of repeats at a given satellite DNA locus, they will generate unique DNA profiles
what is the procedure of DNA profiling? (4)
- DNA sample is collected and amplified using PCR
- satellite DNA (w/ STR sequences) are cut with specific restriction enzymes to generate fragments
- fragment length will differ between individuals due to variable length of their STR
- the fragments are separated using gel electrophoresis and profiles are compared
what is the genes between species called?
gene modification
what is the name of the organism created from genetic modification?
transgenic
what is the summary of the process of gene transfer?
- isolation of gene and vector (by PCR)
- digestion of gene and vector (by restriction endonuclease)
- ligation of gene and vector (by DNA ligase)
- selection and expression of trangenic contruct
what is step one of the process of gene transfer?(3)
- DNA isolated from cells via centrifugation (heavier components eg nuclei are separated)
- gene of interest can be specifically amplified via PCR
- gene sequences can also be generated from mRNA using reverse transcriptase these DNA sequences lack introns
what is a vector in gene transfer?
DNA molecules used as a vehicle to carry the green into a foreign cell
why are bacterial plasmids commonly used as vectors?
they are capable of autonomous self-replication and expression